Embark on your Canadian journey with confidence! Navigate temporary housing intricacies with our guide tailored for newcomers, students, and professionals.
Navigating the landscape of temporary housing in Canada can be quite an experience, whether you are a newcomer to the country, a student exploring educational opportunities, or a professional embarking on a short-term assignment. As one of the world’s most diverse and welcoming nations, Canada offers myriad options for temporary accommodation. From bustling metropolitan centers to serene rural landscapes, the spectrum of choices is vast.
In this guide, we will delve into the essential steps and resources to help you navigate the Canadian temporary housing market effectively.
Temporary housing. What is it?
It caters to the needs of those seeking short-term or medium-term stays in Canada, offering flexible solutions for newcomers, business travelers or students on summer programs.
Whether you’re on a business trip, attending a summer program, or house hunting, temporary housing ensures a convenient, home-like experience during your stay in Canada.
For example, available for short stays, lasting from a few days to weeks, or medium stays, extending for a few weeks to months, these are fully furnished accommodations. They come with amenities like fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and access to common areas such as fitness centers or pools.
Temporary housing: Who is it for?
It is meant for newcomers, including relocating professionals, foreign students and transient travellers seeking short-term lodging during their settling phase. It offers flexibility with shared spaces, catering to diverse needs and budgets.
Ideal for those yet to secure permanent accommodation or in search of their ideal home, temporary housing provides a comfortable, home-like experience, making it a convenient choice for stays ranging from weeks to months during the transition period in Canada. Finding temporary housing is also a great approach for newcomers who don’t have a credit history or a job offer in Canada yet.
Are you an international student?
Earlier this month Marc Millar, Canada’s immigration minister estimated that the country would likely host a staggering 900,000 students this year. If you fall in this category, consider the following:
Duration of stay is a pivotal factor, varying from a semester to a year or longer, with subletting options catering to short-term needs. Often foreign students don’t need long-term accommodation since they are less likely to apply for a PR.
Proximity to the university is crucial for saving time and expenses on transportation while fostering easy access to resources and campus activities.
Start early: Initiating the search for temporary housing early is advisable, especially in high-demand areas.
Seek advice: Leveraging specialized services or university housing offices can aid foreign students in navigating the market and securing suitable accommodations.
During summer breaks, many students leave for their home country and often sublet their residence or end their lease. Upon returning, they start their search all over.
All in all, a thoughtful evaluation of housing options, considering stay duration and proximity to the university, ensures a smoother transition for international students to life in Canada.
Are you a working professional?
Whether you are on a business trip or short-term contract, it is important to find accommodations that are both practical and economical for your longer stay.
Among various temporary housing options, fully equipped accommodations emerge as a popular choice, offering the essential amenities like cooking and laundry facilities. Beyond convenience, such an abode proves cost-effective, allowing workers to save on expensive hotel stays and dining out. A few outfits even offer weekly rates or extended stay discounts.
Are you a tourist?
A plethora of choices cater to diverse needs and budgets of those on vacation.
Hotels and motels: Popular among tourists are hotels and motels, offering comfort, daily housekeeping, and amenities like on-site restaurants.
Bed and breakfasts provide an intimate, personalized experience in heritage homes, while cottages offer a cozy retreat amidst scenic surroundings.
Budget-friendly youth hostels, with communal spaces and shared rooms, appeal to backpackers and make for a viable short-term accommodation choice.
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb provide a local touch, though controversies surround their impact on housing availability. Poring over online reviews on such websites is particularly useful.
Regardless of choice, considering location, accommodation cost, and amenities is crucial. Advanced research and booking ensure newcomers secure the best deal for their temporary accommodation in Canada.
How should you go about choosing the right type of accommodation?
It’s horses for courses:
Cost-conscious individuals may find weekly rates or budget-friendly overnight options appealing.
Renting: For a more extended stay, renting an entire apartment or house could be preferable.
Students may explore student dormitories or specialized services.
It’s also essential to evaluate personal preferences, ensuring the chosen temporary housing aligns with individual needs.
Hotels:
Positioned in the city centre and the outskirts of major cities, hotels facilitate easy transportation access and exploration of surroundings. These accommodations typically include amenities like free Wi-Fi, housekeeping, gyms, and on-site restaurants or spas. However, the higher cost of hotel stays, especially for extended periods, is a factor to note.
Negotiating a weekly rate may be advantageous for those on a tight budget. Hotels that lack kitchen facilities lead to additional dining expenses. While hotels offer strategic advantages, their higher costs should be weighed against other alternatives.
Motels:
Motels get a bar rep for their seemingly seedy facilities as shown in various Hollywood movies. But that need not always be true. They stand out as a favored choice for temporary housing, particularly for budget-conscious travelers or those on road trips.
Renowned for their convenient locations near major highways, these budget-friendly overnight accommodations cater to motorists seeking accessible and hassle-free stays. Indeed, they are located far away from the city centre, but that’s a small price to pay. Basic amenities, albeit less luxurious than hotels, include necessities like cable TV and private bathrooms, ensuring comfort at an affordable price.
The major advantage of motels lies in their lower cost, presenting a budget-friendly and appealing option for those looking to save money. The laid-back atmosphere and relaxed experience add to the appeal.
Beds and Breakfasts:
For newcomers seeking temporary and relatively cheaper accommodations in Canada, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) stand out as a delightful and charming option. These private homes offer a unique experience distinct from traditional hotels.
A significant advantage is the personalized service provided by hosts, often the property owners, dedicated to ensuring guest comfort. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with hosts’ local knowledge, enhances the stay.
B&Bs are particularly known for their copious and homemade breakfasts, a culinary delight of fresh and local ingredients that sets them apart from hotels. While considerations such as adherence to home-specific rules exist, B&Bs overall provide newcomers with a cozy and charming “home away from home”. Some of these may well be located in the heart of the city centre.
Tourist-oriented home-sharing platforms have also emerged as a popular and convenient choice. This innovative concept enables individuals to rent a residence or a room in someone else’s home, promising a local and authentic experience.
The pros of this approach include access to amenities like kitchens, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Interaction with local hosts adds cultural insights.
Despite potential cons such as regulatory challenges and privacy concerns, tourist-oriented home-sharing remains an attractive and cost-effective option, offering an immersive way to experience a new city or region during their temporary stay in Canada.
Co-living:
In this arrangement, residents share accommodation costs and household tasks with roommates, dividing housing expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries. Co-living not only provides financial savings but also fosters connections fellow students who may have similar needs.
Sharing an apartment with roommates can be an attractive option, offering affordability and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
Factors to ponder upon while seeking temporary housing in Canada
Finding a temporary accommodation in Canada isn’t exactly rocket science, but it might give you that feeling. Take a beat and write down what you are looking for.
Factors like location, cost, accommodation type, and duration are vital.
The location choice hinges on individual needs; some may prefer the city centre for convenience, while others favor quieter outskirts.
Budget considerations are crucial, with costs varying based on location and accommodation type. Options range from apartments to shared spaces.
Evaluating the duration of your stay determines whether a short-term or long-term rental suits you.
Exploring specialized services like short-term rental management or student dormitories can be beneficial.
By weighing these factors, newcomers can discover temporary accommodation aligning with their needs as they settle into Canadian life.
Online reviews and ratings
There was a time when one would live and die by the sword. Today, in the virtual world, that sword is “review”. Whether on Yelp or TripAdvisor or any other website, user reviews can make or break your decision.
Reviews offer insights from previous guests, providing a firsthand account of the accommodation, offering information on cleanliness, amenities, and customer service. Dig around a bit on online platforms such as hotels.com, Expedia, and other travel websites to compare prices and other parameters of stay.
Time of booking
Accommodation prices and availability are heavily influenced by the demand and supply dynamics, with spring and summer being peak times where you might find limited options that meet your criteria.
Don’t procrastinate. To secure the best and budget-friendly accommodations, it’s essential to book well in advance. Waiting until the last minute may result in limited choices and higher prices. Planning ahead, considering the timing of arrival, and booking early ensure a smoother transition into Canadian life, maximizing the chances of finding suitable accommodations.
Location
Opting for proximity to the city center or neighborhoods abundant in employment opportunities can offset travel expenses and save time. Being close to job prospects ensures easy access to employment, supporting oneself during the stay.
City center or downtown living provides convenient access to essential services like healthcare, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment, offering both time and cost savings.
Moreover, residing in these areas facilitates exploration, immersing newcomers in local culture and vibrant city life. It may just help build a social network too.
Budget
Comprehensive research plays a crucial role in making well-informed decisions.
Cost of living: Firstly, evaluate the location’s cost of living, ensuring it aligns with your budget, and decide on residing in the city centre or outskirts.
Your needs: Next, choose accommodation that suits both your needs and budget, be it shared arrangements, apartment rentals, or hotel stays.
Duration: Consider the duration of your stay, with short-term rentals often pricier per night, while long-term options offer budget-friendly rates.
There are a host of websites that can help you compare prices and amenities. Consider Airbnb, HomeAway, Hotels.com, Expedia, HostelWorld and Kijiji, among others.
When should I start my search?
Ideally, it is recommended to start looking for temporary housing at least three to four months before your planned move. This time-frame allows for sufficient research, exploring different types of accommodation, comparing prices, and making informed decisions.
Starting early also helps you avoid the last-minute scramble and increases the chances of finding budget-friendly and suitable options. However, if circumstances dictate a shorter timeline, it is still possible to find temporary housing, although the options may be more limited.
What are some of the pitfalls while looking for a temporary accommodation?
It’s not all maple leaves and warm welcomes. Securing temporary accommodation in Canada can pose challenges, particularly for newcomers.
Hidden costs, often omitted from initial prices, necessitate thorough inquiry to avoid surprises.
Amenity check: Utility, internet, parking, or amenity fees should be clarified upfront for budgeting accuracy.
Rental terms: Assessing rental terms is crucial, as many accommodations impose minimum stay requirements or limit changes and cancellations. Opting for flexible options or short-term leases aligns better with dynamic plans.
Location: The significance of location cannot be overstated, as city center convenience may come at a higher cost, while affordability on the outskirts may extend commute times. Weighing the proximity to amenities and transportation against preferences is important. Shared accommodations offer affordability but may compromise privacy. This decision rests largely on you depending upon how soon you’d like to move in and get going.
Beware of scams: Vigilance against scams and fraudulent listings is paramount, emphasizing the need for verification through reputable rental platforms or specialized services to mitigate risks effectively.
Stay on guard against fraud. Never pay or sign a lease without a physical visit to the property for on-site verification. Exercise caution with landlords requesting large deposits post an initial visit, as legitimate ones typically do so upon lease signing.
Be wary of professional photos that may misrepresent the property; personal visits are vital to assess actual conditions. Meeting the landlord in person helps gauge credibility—hesitancy to meet is a red flag. If an offer seems too good to be true, research market rates to ensure authenticity. Implementing these fraud protection measures ensures a safer and more reliable accommodation search in Canada.
Unsanitary conditions: When seeking temporary accommodation in Canada, recognizing signs of unsanitary conditions is crucial to ensuring a healthy and comfortable stay. Keep an eye out for indicators such as mould on ceilings or around windows, cracked or bubbled paint, warped flooring which might indicate water damage and white blots under windows offering signs of water leakage.
